Trans Fat Can Lead to Bigger Babies

Recent findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition outlined a study of nearly 1,400 women. Researchers found correlations between a woman’s intake of trans fats (which raise “bad” cholesterol) and the size of her baby.

The effect of trans fat seemed to have more of an effect when ingested during the second trimester. Although trans fat was not the only factored that seemed to contribute to the weight and size of the newborn, giving birth to a large infant can create problems for mommy and baby.

“Large-sized babies will most likely need to be delivered via C-section, and big babies tend to have an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease later in life,” says Andrew Markowitz, M.D.

Artificial trans fats are often found in foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils. This includes things like many baked and fried pre-packaged foods like chips, crackers, cookie, as well as fast food.

If you are considering pregnancy or are pregnant and would like to make an appointment with an obstetrician at Women’s Health and Menopause Center, please call (248) 932-9223.